Information on Hanowski's contract status

CALGARY, AB -- On Friday, the Calgary Flames signed St. Cloud State alumnus Ben Hanowski and announced the forward would be joining the team after the conclusion of the Frozen Four tournament in Pittsburgh.

By signing the 22 year-old at the present time, one year of his entry-level contract will be used up regardless of whether or not he suits up for any games with the Flames. If he plays in six games this year, it will move him one year closer to being eligible for salary arbitration. Hanowski will also be subject to waivers at the end of the 2014-15 season rather than at the conclusion of the 2015-16 season in the event he dresses for one game this year.

At the end of the 2013-14 campaign, Hanowski will become a restricted free agent. The signing does not change his timeline on becoming an unrestricted free agent.

The decision to sign Hanowski during the 2012-13 season is to help accelerate his development and give him a head start on preparing for his first full professional season next year.

"We think it is really important for his development to get a little taste of pro hockey life and our organization, what it's like," Flames Assistant General Manager John Weisbrod told CalgaryFlames.com. "It's my experience that it makes first year players summers a lot more productive."